Toaster ovens offer convenience and energy savings

Toaster ovens vary in functionality, so the best model for one person may not be the preferred option for someone else. If you plan to make a lot of toast, you may find that toaster ovens have some unique advantages over slotted toasters, covered in a separate ConsumerSearch report. They have a see-though glass door that makes it easy to monitor browning, and larger models can toast up to six slices of bread simultaneously (most slotted toasters are limited to two or four slices).

Like top-rated standard toasters, the best toaster ovens let you choose your preferred browning level and have a bagel setting for optimal toasting. However, most toaster ovens can't toast as quickly and evenly as a standard toaster, and they take up more counter space.

Toast-making aside, toaster ovens with bake and broil settings can be a good stand-in for a conventional oven. Some models even feature a rotisserie for roasting a whole chicken or large cut of meat. Toaster ovens heat up faster, consume less energy and may cook faster than a full-size oven. If you plan to use your toaster oven for baking, you may want to get one with convection heating. Convection ovens have a fan that circulates the air for faster and more even cooking, although users say the fans on some models are quite noisy. A digital display and touchpad controls add to the overall cost, but many users like the convenience of these features and they tend to hold up better over time. We found numerous complaints about malfunctioning knobs on models with manual controls. Ease of cleanup and size -- particularly the interior depth and height clearance -- are also important considerations. 

Shoppers should consider the following when comparing toaster ovens:

  • Examine interior dimensions as well as the exterior size. Some toaster ovens only handle two slices of bread, while others fit six. If you want to cook a 12-inch frozen pizza, make sure the interior is wide and deep enough. If you plan to cook a whole chicken, more height clearance is required.
  • Look for controls that are easy to use. Having lots of settings is nice, but they can make a toaster oven overly complex for children or the elderly. Stick to three dials -- cook function, temperature setting and a timer -- if you are using the toaster oven for basic baking and reheating.
  • Go for a model with an audible beep notification when the food is done. It should be loud enough to hear but not sound like the smoke detector going off in the kitchen.
  • Be safe: opt for an auto-eject rack, which makes it easier to remove hot food. Safer toaster ovens have a hook or magnet in the door that automatically slides the rack out when the door is opened.
  • Reduce the risk of burned food or accidental fires with an automatic shutoff feature. If the toaster oven shuts off after 30 to 60 minutes, there's less risk of food being left to burn or the unit to catch fire.
  • Choose a model with a front-access crumb tray for convenience. A crumb tray is pretty standard on toaster ovens, and one that slides out from the front rather than the back can be emptied while the oven is hot. What's more, you won't need to move or lift the oven to access the tray. A crumb tray that's completely removable is also easier to clean.
  • Consider the material of the toaster's interior. Toaster ovens with porcelain or nonstick interiors are easier to clean. Some models also come with included, nonstick baking trays.

You can find a decent microwave oven for about the same price as a mid-range toaster oven. Microwaves, of course, are not adept at toasting and browning, though they do heat leftovers quickly. See our report on microwaves for more information.

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